Species Profile

American Bison

Also known as American Buffalo, Buffalo, Plains Bison, Wood Bison

These massive herbivores shape entire ecosystems by wallowing in the dirt, creating microhabitats for plants and insects, and grazing selectively to promote wildflower diversity. During the late summer rut, bulls bellow loudly and clash horns to establish dominance, their deep roars carrying for miles across the plains. Despite their bulky appearance, they can run at speeds up to thirty-five miles per hour and are agile swimmers.